Electric lighting devices having a video screen

ABSTRACT

Various embodiments of electric lighting devices having projection screens are described. Some embodiments include a projection screen having a laminate structure, while other embodiments include a video screen that is embedded within the projection screen.

This application is a continuation application of U.S. utility patent application having Ser. No. 14/761,929 filed on Jul. 17, 2015, which claims the benefit of priority to PCT application no. PCT/US14/13923 filed on Jan. 30, 2014, which itself claims the benefit of priority to U.S. provisional application having Ser. No. 61/758,602 filed on Jan. 30, 2013. These and all other extrinsic materials discussed herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of the invention is electric lighting devices, and especially lighting devices configured to simulate a flickering flame.

BACKGROUND

The following background discussion includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

Various electric lights are known in the art. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 8,132,936 to Patton et al., U.S. Pat. No. 8,070,319 to Schnuckle et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,837,355 to Schnuckle et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,261,455 to Schnuckle et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,159,994 to Schnuckle et al., U.S. pat. publ. no. 2011/0127914 to Patton et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,350,720 to Jaworski et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 7,686,471 to Reichow; U.S. pat. publ. no. 2005/0285538 to Jaworski et al. (publ. December 2005); U.S. Pat. No. 7,481,571 to Bistritzky et al.; U.S. pat. publ. no. 2008/0031784 to Bistritzky et al. (publ. February 2008); U.S. pat. publ. no. 2006/0125420 to Boone et al. (publ. June 2006); U.S. pat. publ. no. 2007/0127249 to Medley et al. (publ. June 2007); U.S. pat. publ. no. 2008/0150453 to Medley et al. (publ. June 2008); U.S. pat. publ. no. 2005/0169666 to Porchia, et al. (publ. August 2005); U.S. Pat. No. 7503668 to Porchia, et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 7,824,627 to Michaels, et al.; U .S. pat. publ. no. 2006/0039835 to Nottingham et al. (publ. February 2006); U.S. pat. publ. no. 2008/0038156 to Jaramillo (publ. February 2008); U.S. pat. publ. no. 2001/0033488 to Chliwnyj ; U.S. pat. publ. no. 2008/0130266 to DeWitt et al. (publ. June 2008); U.S. pat. publ. no. 2012/0024837 to Thompson (publ. Feb. 2012); U.S. pat. publ. no. 2011/0134628 to Pestl et al. (publ. June 2011); U.S. pat. publ. no. 2011/0027124 to Albee et al. (publ. February 2011); U.S. pat. publ. no. 2012/0020052 to McCavit et al. (publ. January 2012); U.S. pat. publ. no. 2012/0093491 to Browder et al. (publ. April 2012); and European publ. no. 1878449. However, while various mechanisms have been used to more closely simulate a flickering flame of a candle, such mechanisms suffer from one or more disadvantages.

Unless the context dictates the contrary, all ranges set forth herein should be interpreted as being inclusive of their endpoints, and open-ended ranges should be interpreted to include commercially practical values. Similarly, all lists of values should be considered as inclusive of intermediate values unless the context indicates the contrary.

Thus, there is still a need for improved electric candles and other light sources that more realistically imitate a flickering flame.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The inventive subject matter provides apparatus, systems and methods in which one can simulate an appearance of a flame in an electric lighting device, such as an electric candle or light bulb. Preferred devices include a projection screen coupled to a housing such that some or all of the projection screen extends from the housing.

The projection screen preferably includes at least a first translucent, and more preferably transparent, region to simulate a more realistic flame effect and is less obtrusive when the device is off In some contemplated embodiments, the bottom portion of the projection screen could be translucent or transparent, while in other embodiments, a periphery of the projection screen could be transparent, or could fade to transparent across a width of its periphery.

The device can also include a set of light sources that emit light onto a surface of the projection screen.

Alternatively or additionally, the projection screen can comprise a laminate having a plurality of layers. As a few examples, the layers can advantageously alter a visual makeup of the projection screen by adding clear or translucent regions, frosted areas, holographic material, reflective portions, refractive elements, a luminescent layer, and so forth.

In other embodiments, the projection screen could have an irregular outer surface.

In one aspect, electric lighting devices can include a housing having a memory and a video screen extending from the housing. The memory preferably is configured to store one o more media files. A microprocessor coupled with the memory and video screen can present one or more of the media files on the video screen.

Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-section view of one embodiment of an electric lighting device.

FIGS. 2A-2B are a front view and a side view of one embodiment of a projection screen.

FIG. 3 is a front view of another embodiment of a projection screen.

FIG. 4 is a front view of another embodiment of an electric lighting device.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of one embodiment of a projection screen having a laminate.

FIGS. 6A-6B are an exploded view and a side view of another embodiment of a projection screen having a laminate.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of another embodiment of a projection screen having a laminate.

FIG. 8 is a front view of another embodiment of a projection screen.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a surface of projection screen having an accordion surface.

FIGS. 10-11 are vertical cross-section views of two embodiments of an electric lighting device having a video screen.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It should be noted that while the following description is drawn to a computer/server flame simulation system, various alternative configurations are also deemed suitable and may employ various computing devices including servers, interfaces, systems, databases, agents, peers, engines, controllers, or other types of computing devices operating individually or collectively. One should appreciate the computing devices comprise a processor configured to execute software instructions stored on a tangible, non-transitory computer readable storage medium (e.g., hard drive, solid state drive, RAM, flash, ROM, etc.). The software instructions preferably configure the computing device to provide the roles, responsibilities, or other functionality as discussed below with respect to the disclosed apparatus. In especially preferred embodiments, the various servers, systems, databases, or interfaces exchange data using standardized protocols or algorithms, possibly based on HTTP, HTTPS, AES, public-private key exchanges, web service APIs, known financial transaction protocols, or other electronic information exchanging methods. Data exchanges preferably are conducted over a packet-switched network, the Internet, LAN, WAN, VPN, or other type of packet switched network.

The following discussion provides many example embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of an electric lighting device 100 that simulates a flickering flame having a housing 102. Preferred devices 100 include a projection screen 106 that may have a tear-drop or other shape to simulate the look of a flame. FIG. 1 shows a cutout of a projection screen having a tear-drop shape with a concavity. Although the projection screen 106 can be static with respect to the housing 102, it is preferred that the projection screen 106 be coupled to the housing 102 such that the projection screen can be moved using an electromagnet, a fan, or other drive mechanism(s). The projection screen 106 can include (i) a face 112 and (ii) a back that faces away from the face 112, and may have one or more concavities.

The specific construction and/or materials comprising the projection screen can vary, and is further discussed below. For example, the screen could be opaque, translucent, or transparent, or combinations thereof. In addition, the projection screen could have multiple layers and/or multiple materials composing the projection screen. In some embodiments, the projection screen could be co-injection molded or insert injection molded to create a projection screen comprising different materials and/or different transparencies. For example, the projection screen could have an outer edge that has a greater transparency than a middle portion of the projection screen. It is also contemplated that the projection screen can have multiple faces, such as three or more faces, and/or could comprise various shapes including a cone, a sphere, or an inverted tear drop, for example.

At least a portion of the projection screen 106 extends from the housing 102, and in some embodiments, an upper portion 114 can extend from the housing 102 while a lower portion 116 can be disposed within the housing 102. However, where the projection screen is static, it is contemplated that all or substantially all of the projection screen 106 will extend from the housing 102.

Device 100 includes first, second, and third light sources 120, 122, and 124, respectively, disposed within the housing 102, and configured to emit light on to the face 112 of the projection screen 106, and preferably on to an outer surface 110 of the screen 106. Of course, the light sources could be disposed outside of the housing 102 without departing from the scope of the inventive subject matter discussed herein. Rather, than three individual light sources 120, 122, 124, it is alternatively contemplated that one or more of the light sources 120, 122, 124 could comprise a set of micro-LEDs or other lights. Thus, for example, instead of a traditional LED that may have a diameter of 1 mm, 6-8 micro-LEDs or more could be used in the same space. In such embodiments, it is especially preferred that the lights comprise RGB lights such that a variety of colors of light could be produced. It is also contemplated that the light sources 120, 122, 124 could collectively comprise a RGB light, and could be used in conjunction with additional RGB lights or other light sources.

It is especially preferred that each of the light sources 120, 122, and 124 emits light at a predominant wavelength that is different from the other light sources. Thus, for example, the first light source 120 could emit visible light in the orange spectrum (e.g., a predominant wavelength of between 590 nm-620 nm), the second light source 122 could emit white light, and the third light source 124 could emit visible light in the blue spectrum (e.g., a predominant wavelength of between 450 nm-495 nm).

In some contemplated embodiments, the light sources 120, 122, and 124 can each be disposed at an angle with respect to the projection screen 106 that is different from the other light sources. This enables light emitted from the light sources 120, 122, and 124 to be directed at different portions of the projection screen 106. For example, light emitted from the first light source 120 can be directed predominantly at an upper portion of the outer surface 110 of the projection screen 106, light emitted from the second light source 122 can be directed predominantly at a middle portion of the outer surface 110 of the projection screen 106 below the upper portion, and light emitted from the third light source 124 can be directed predominantly at a lower portion of the outer surface 110 of the projection screen 106 below the middle portion.

In this manner, the visible lighting effect on the projection screen 106 can include an orange color around a periphery of the projection screen 106 with a blue color at its bottom.

Each of the light sources 120, 122, 124 can include or otherwise interact with a separate lens, or alternatively, a single lens could be used in conjunction with the light sources 120, 122, and 124.

FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate one embodiment of a projection screen 206 for use in an electric lighting device. The projection screen 206 can include a translucent, and preferably transparent, outer perimeter or periphery 207 shown as the area between the dashed lines. In some embodiments, the perimeter 207 can fade outwardly from opaque to clear or semi-clear in the direction shown by arrows 209. It is especially preferred that the outer perimeter is transparent or 15% clear plastic.

It is contemplated that the projection screen 206 could be manufactured using a silkscreen that fades from its interior to its exterior and is printed on. In other embodiments, the projection screen 206 could comprise a 2-3 laminated plastic piece having a clear outer edge and a solid interior. In still further embodiments, the projection screen could be made via injection molding.

As shown in FIG. 2B, light sources 220 and 222 can emit light on to a face 212 of the projection screen 206, and each emit a different predominant color of light (here, blue and yellow/orange. It is also contemplated that three or more light sources could be used, each of which emits a different predominant color of light.

It is contemplated that a portion of the surface of the projection screen 206 could include an etching to form a non-planar surface. The projection screen 206 could also include molded-in refractive elements that refract light when hit and can be used to create diverse flame effects when light from a LED or other light source impinge upon the refractive element.

FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of a projection screen 306 for use in an electric lighting device, and having clear bottom portion 326 where a support member can pass through a hole 327 in the screen 306 to allow movement of the projection screen 306. It is contemplated that the projection screen 306 could comprise 1-4 layers of plastic, each layer having a thickness of approximately of 0.005 mm.

FIG. 4 illustrates a device 400 for simulating a flame effect that includes a housing 402, from which a projection screen 406 extends. The projection screen 406 can include an outer perimeter 407 that fades to clear along its width, and a clear bottom portion 426. Bottom portion advantageously includes an inverted arc 428 that simulates the shape of a flame. Thus, as shown in the figure, the projection screen 406 can have levels of transparency across its diameter. With respect to the remaining numerals in FIG. 4, the same considerations for like components with like numerals of FIG. 2 apply.

FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of a projection screen 506 that includes a laminate having first, second, and third layers 532, 534, and 536, respectively, which collectively comprise the upper portion 514 of the projection screen 506. Contemplated layers could include a reflective layer, a layer having holographic material, an opaque layer, a clear layer, a frosted layer, and so forth.

FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate another embodiment of a projection screen 606 comprising a laminate 607. The laminate 607 can include three layers 660, 662, 664 or sheets of various plastic and a clear plastic substrate layer 666. The layers advantageously allow for different effects depending on the specific layer used, and also allow for different materials to be embedded within the projection screen 606. For example, one layer could have a reflective surface, which can alter the flame simulation effect of the device.

In this embodiment, the first layer 660 could comprise a 20% frosted layer, for example, and the second layer 662 could comprise a reflective layer that is approximately 30% transparent. The third layer 664 can comprise an opaque layer that fades to clear about its periphery. The opaque layer advantageously helps prevent light from bleeding through the central portion of the projection screen 606 while allowing for a clear perimeter.

Projection screen 606 can further include a magnet 663 and be supported in a device via wire 665.

FIG. 7 illustrates another possible combination of layers to form a projection screen.

FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of a projection screen 806 having a holographic material 870 disposed in an inner portion thereof. The holographic material could comprise colors and/or shapes etched into foil, for example, and may comprise an image of a flame that moves depending on the viewing angle of the holographic material 870. The use of holographic material 870 advantageously allows the projection screen 806 to sparkle with real flame-like colors when hit with light.

Preferably, the holographic material 870 is encased or molded between transparent or semi-transparent plastic to prevent the material 870 from being dislodged. With respect to the remaining numerals in FIG. 8, the same considerations for like components with like numerals of FIG. 3 apply.

FIG. 9 illustrates an enlarged view of an outer surface of one embodiment of a projection screen 906 having a non-planar and irregular surface. In this embodiment, the surface can include an accordion surface 902 on at least a portion thereof. The accordion surface 902 comprises a first set of faces 903 and a second set of faces 904. In some embodiments, one of the faces 903 or 904 can have a reflective surface.

In FIG. 10, another embodiment of an electric lighting device 1000 is shown that is configured to simulate an appearance of a flame. Device 1000 can include a candle-shaped housing, although other form factors are contemplated.

Device 100 can further include memory 1010 disposed on a circuit board 1012, which is configured to store one or more media files. Board 1012 preferably also includes a microprocessor 1014 configured to present the one or more media files on a video screen 1008. Video screen 1008 can extend from the housing 1002 and have an on and off state. Preferably, the screen 1008 is embedded into a substrate 1006 that may have a clear perimeter 1007. It is contemplated that video screen 1008 and/or substrate 1006 could be shaped to resemble a candle flame and may have a concave surface.

In especially preferred embodiments, the video screen 1008 is transparent in the off state to hide the screen 1008 from view when not on.

In some contemplated embodiments, the video screen 1008 can have a surface area of no more than 9 cm².

Device 1000 can further include a wireless network card 1020 configured to wirelessly receive a command signal or media files from a remote device. The microprocessor 1014 can control the video screen as a function of the received command. Contemplated commands include, for example, change the video screen to the on state, change the video screen to the off state, and/or play a specific media file stored in the memory.

FIG. 11 illustrates another embodiment of an electric lighting device 1100 is shown that is configured to simulate an appearance of a flame and has a housing 1102. In this embodiment, the memory and microprocessor can be embedded into the projection screen 1106, which eliminates the video cables to the projection screen 1106 and allows for movement of the projection screen 1106 with respect to the housing 1102.

An electromagnet 1164 can be used to move the projection screen 1106 through interaction of magnet 1162 in projection screen 1106 with the electromagnetic field generated by the electromagnet 1164. Projection screen 1106 can also include a battery that can be charged via induction using an inductive coil 1166. Rather than an electromagnet, a fan or motor could be used to cause movement of the projection screen 1106.

In such embodiments, it is contemplated that the projection screen 1106 comprise a laminate between which wiring from the microprocessor 1114 to the video screen 1108 can be disposed. With respect to the remaining numerals in FIG. 11, the same considerations for like components with like numerals of FIG. 10 apply.

In some embodiments, the video screen could comprise flexible film with LEDs, and could have different colors.

In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as concentration, reaction conditions, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.

As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term “coupled to” is intended to include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms “coupled to” and “coupled with” are used synonymously.

It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C . . . and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An electric lighting device configured to simulate an appearance of a flame, comprising: a candle-shaped housing; a memory configured to store one or more media files; a video screen extending from the housing and having an on state and an off state; and a microprocessor configured to present the one or more media files on the video screen.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the video screen includes a clear periphery composed of plastic.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the video screen has a concave surface.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the video screen is transparent or translucent when in the off state.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the video screen has a surface area of no more than 9 cm².
 6. The device of claim 1, further comprising a wireless transceiver configured to receive a command signal, and wherein the microprocessor is configured to control the video screen as a function of the command signal.
 7. The device of claim 8, wherein the command signal comprises an instruction to change the video screen to the on state.
 8. The device of claim 8, wherein the command signal comprises an instruction to play a specific media file stored in the memory.
 9. The device of claim 1, further comprising a wireless transceiver configured to receive a media file.
 10. An electric lighting device configured to simulate an appearance of a flame, comprising: a housing; a memory configured to store one or more media files; a video screen extending from the housing and having an on state and an off state, wherein the video screen is embedded within a housing; and a microprocessor configured to present the one or more media files on the video screen.
 11. The device of claim 10, further comprising wiring coupling the video screen to the microprocessor, and wherein the projection screen comprises a laminate having two or more layers between which the wiring is disposed.
 12. The device of claim 10, wherein the microprocessor is disposed apart from the projection screen.
 13. The device of claim 10, wherein the projection screen is pivotally coupled to the housing, and further comprising a drive mechanism configured to cause movement of the video screen with respect to the housing.
 14. The device of claim 13, wherein the drive mechanism comprises an electromagnet, and wherein the projection screen comprises a magnet, and wherein the projection screen moves with respect to the housing as the magnet interacts with a magnetic field generated by the electromagnet.
 15. The device of claim 13, wherein the drive mechanism comprises a fan, and wherein the projection screen moves with respect to the housing as air flow from the fan impinges on the projection screen.
 16. The device of claim 13, wherein the drive mechanism comprises a motor that indirectly or directly drives movement of the projection screen.
 17. The device of claim 10, wherein the projection screen comprises a memory, a microchip, and a battery.
 18. The device of claim 10, further comprising: a first induction coil; wherein the projection screen comprises a memory, a microchip, and a second induction coil; and wherein the second induction coil is disposed with respect to the first induction coil to create an inductive coupling between the coils.
 19. The device of claim 18, wherein the projection screen comprises a battery that is wirelessly charged from energy received from the first induction coil via the second induction coil.
 20. The device of claim 18, wherein the projection screen has an hourglass shape with upper and lower portions, and wherein the video screen is disposed in the upper portion, and wherein the second induction coil is disposed within the lower portion, and wherein the lower portion is disposed within the housing. 